The master Mage quickly pushed the bombardment out of his mind. Being a veteran campaigner, the booms were nothing more than background music. They stirred in him a sort of visceral desire to join in the fray. As studious and logical as he was, he would be a fool and a liar to deny the thrill and adrenaline rush that battle provided.
However, one look at the lovely face, tattoos and all, of Eilis quickly shut all the ideas of guts and glory in the farthest recess of his mind. Here was a battle that was more daring and with more at stake than any he had ever ben a part of. Indeed, even the battle that was most likely occurring right now between the Belesian Kingdom and the dreaded empire, paled in comparison to the campaign to free Eilis from her prison.
Arn looked down with his almost full black eyes at his protegee and a warm smile appeared. He held her in his strong arms. He held her, not only to provide support but also because each interaction, every time they were close the need to be near her increased. His logical side of his mind filed this away for future research and analysis. The mage brushed back her golden hair. If any of the Venray family, namely the queenly Lady Venray, there would be no questioning the ruse of their betrothal.
“I want to be rid of this…”
The words sent a shiver through is body. It was a combination of fear and pride. The Master Mage looked down upon her lovely face. His eyes searching and his face more serious than it had ever been. He was not displeased with her, instead, he wanted to make sure that he did not have any influence on her decision other than the knowledge that she could count on him being there.
He would never forgive himself if he felt he had pushed her to a decision that was not hers. Yet, as she continued, the firm conviction and almost challenge in her tone, he could not help but offer her a wide smile. This smile was different than those he had given her before. There was tenderness in it but more than anything, there was pride and joy in watching her grow from an scare shadow to a glimmering beam of moonlight.
"I am scared."
Arn gave a slight chuckle in this baritone voice. He lifte a hand to the side of her face. “Eilis, you are braver than mounted knights heading into battle. They rush headlong into an enemy the know, a danger they see, and do so because they have been trained for that very moment. You have chosen an unknown path with no certain outcome”
He shook his head at her declaration of him being the source of light and hope but knew better than to argue her view of things. “If I am the sun, then you my lady are my Ith. For what use is a sun if not to warm the face of a beautiful world. You have given me purpose, a reason to exist. I would argue that you found me but I will be content in agreeing that we both gravitated towards each other.”
Their interaction was cut short but an increase in the barrage near them. His brows furrowed. The speed of the battle was concerning. No matter how powerful the Empire was, they were fighting in the Belisian home turf. The Heartguard may not be as individually powerful as mages or skilled as knights but they were a professional army. That they were being so hard pressed was alarming indeed.
The Battle Mage overheard the man servant and Tyrhallan speaking. He motioned for Eilis to wait and walked over to the two men. He frowned just as Knight Captain did at the action of the Elder Venray but knew that Tyrhallan, despite his disapproval of the ex knight’s actions, would have done the same. Duty ran more purely in their veins than blood, the master mage observed.
With efficiency born of years of battle experience, the silver haired lord made preparations for their departure. While Danesh may be a civilian, Arn had no doubt that he would be more versed in provisioning that a newly appointed sergeant would. After all, the man had generations of outfitting Venray men under his belt.
The Master Mage nodded at Tyrhallan’s request at the same time that Eilis approached. “We will be ready.” Was all that was needed to be said. Arn’s own equipment was already packed and ready thanks to Toby and those rascals of the Shooting Stars. The thought made him look towards the closing sounds battle. He hoped that the young fool would remember his lessons and stay alive. Mage’s did not have the same “honorable dead” mentally as the knights. Their primary mission was to survive.
He gently but firmly led Eilis through the garded back towards the house. “I am sorry that you must quickly turn into a campaigner. Lesson one, campaigners do not wear pretty dresses when on mission.” He told her giving her a sideways smile trying to ease the tension of the fast approaching sounds of battle.
As they entered, the house was in a sort of very controlled chaos not unlike the headquarters of any forward deployed base. Despite the immediate threat, Arn could not help but be impressed by the efficiency the household staff moved about making preparations. He managed to qickly catch a glimpse of Tyrhallan saying his goodbyes to his mother. A slight sadness spread inside the Master Mage. Perhaps it was better that his own mother was dead. He would hate to leave her side each time he went on mission. The poor woman not knowing if they would ever return.
The battle mage turned his head. A lady servant approached them. “Is there anything that the lady requires for this trip?” Arn nodded. “Yes miss. If at all possible she will need sturdy clothes and a traveler’s pack. I believe Mr. Danesh is seeing as to provisions so if you could help her pack for the road it would be of great help.” The servant nodded understanding. “I am sure there are some old pantaloons and shirts when Master Tyrhallan was young that would fit her and Lady Venray has many boots to choose from I assure you.” The servant lady nearly pulled Eilis away from the Master Mage. “I shall deliver her to the stables when we are done.”
The battle mage could do little else but offer Eilis a departing encouraging smile as he increased his stride and made his way to his original room. With efficiency born of training and practice, he was dressed in travel cloak with his flak armor beneath. His own travel pack already on his shoulders he made his way towards the stables. The booming of the cannons now close enough to feel the reverberations in your chest. The sound of small arms fire, always a bad sign, could be heard as well. He was not a religious person but he still asked for the All Mother to protect them.
Infinite Cosmos
princess